What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident in Oregon City
A semi-truck accident can be a frightening and traumatic experience. For good reasons; large commercial trucks can weigh as much as 40 times a standard passenger vehicle. They are extraordinarily dangerous when proper safety precautions are not taken.
The knowledge of the steps to take after a truck accident in Oregon City can make a big difference. Here are the steps to take:
- Stop Your Car, Exchange Details, and Report the Truck Accident: Oregon state law requires all parties to a crash to stop their vehicle and exchange information with others involved. Commercial truck accidents are no exceptions. If there were any injuries or major property damage, the crash should be reported to the Oregon City Police Department or another law enforcement agency.
- Be Sure that You Get the Proper Medical Care: Medical needs should always take priority. To start, this means that severe injuries require emergency care. An emergency always comes before anything else. All other injuries should still be evaluated and treated by a doctor. What happens if you do not see a doctor? Not only will it make a physical recovery more challenging, but you also will not be able to recover compensation through a legal claim.
- Avoid Giving a Statement to the Truck Company’s Insurer: Do not agree to give a recorded statement to the truck company’s insurer or make any admissions of fault. Insurance adjusters will try to use your words against you if they believe that they can devalue or deny your claim. It is best to avoid making any statements until you speak with an experienced Oregon City truck accident lawyer.
- Work Through an Oregon City Truck Accident Lawyer: The best way to approach the truck accident claims process is to work through an Oregon City tractor-trailer accident injury attorney each step of the way. The sooner you have an experienced legal advocate in your corner, the better your chances for justice and full financial compensation.
An Overview of the Most Typical Types of Truck Accidents in Oregon City, OR
- Rear-End Collisions: When a truck collides with the back of another vehicle due to following too closely or not stopping in time.
- Jackknife Accidents: When the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, often causing the truck to spin out of control.
- Rollover Accidents: When a truck tips over onto its side or roof, often due to taking a turn too quickly or uneven weight distribution.
- Blind Spot Accidents: When a truck driver fails to see a smaller vehicle in their blind spot and collides with it while changing lanes.
- Lost Load Accidents: When cargo falls off a truck and creates a hazard on the road.
- Intersection Accidents: When a truck collides with another vehicle at an intersection, often due to running a red light or stop sign.
Understanding Trucking Laws and Truck Accident Claims in Oregon
There are federal and state safety regulations in place to govern commercial trucking safety. That being said, the claims process is largely governed by Oregon state law. Here are there things to know if you were hurt in a semi-truck collision in Oregon City:
- Oregon is an At-Fault Truck Accident State: Liability is based on fault. Every crash should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced Oregon City truck accident attorney. Only when you can prove fault will you be able to maximize your recovery.
- Liability is Apportioned Based On Comparative Negligence: Oregon uses a comparative negligence standard (ORS § 31.600). You can still seek compensation if you were partially at fault for a truck accident, but your financial compensation may be reduced.
- A Two-Year Statute of Limitations: You must bring a claim before the statute of limitations expires. Under Oregon law (ORS §12.110), a large truck accident lawsuit must be filed within two years of the wreck.
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